Dental apparatus containment system with cleaning tool and method of use

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, the present invention, and inventive system, is a new and novel dental apparatus containment system with cleaning tool and method of use for retainers, dentures and/or invisalyn trays, clear alighers or other removable dental hardware. In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is comprised of a clamshell construction with a hollow interior and a solid plastic exterior. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the lower clamshell has a base with an extension protruding from the base preferably designed to clasp a toothbrush or other bristled cleaning device. When engaged the clamshell may contain both the dental apparatus and the cleaning tool, secured in the clasp, in a fully encapsulated apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present invention, and inventive system, is a new and novel dental apparatus containment system with cleaning tool and method of use for removable dental apparatuses which can include, but are not limited to, retainers, dentures and/or invisalyn trays, clear alighers or other removable dental hardware. The present invention can protect, but is not limited to, the aforementioned items, by enclosing said items in a substantially solid shell.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is comprised of a plastic clamshell construction with a hollow interior and a solid plastic exterior. In several other embodiments the clamshell is comprised of different materials. In one embodiment of the present invention the clamshell is comprised of two halves of a clamshell joined together on the outer edge with a hinge mechanism.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the lower clamshell has a base with an extension, or clasp, protruding from the base preferably designed to clasp a toothbrush or other bristled cleaning device. In one embodiment of the present invention the toothbrush or cleaning tool is designed to have bristle head with a tapered diamond shape moving towards the median of the bristle rows. In one embodiment of the present invention the toothbrush or cleaning tool is designed to increase the efficiency of the cleaning white the toothbrush or cleaning tool is in use.

SUMMARY

The present invention, and inventive system, is a new and novel dental apparatus containment system with cleaning tool and method of use for retainers, dentures and/or invisalyn trays, clear alighers or other removable dental hardware. In one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is comprised of a plastic clamshell construction with a hollow interior and a solid plastic exterior. In one embodiment of he present invention the clamshell is comprised of two halves of a clamshell joined together on the outer edge with a hinge mechanism. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interior of the lower clamshell has a base with an extension protruding from the base preferably designed to clasp a toothbrush or other bristled cleaning device. In one embodiment of the present invention the toothbrush, or cleaning device, is designed to have bristle head with a tapered diamond shape moving towards the median of the bristle rows. In one embodiment of the present invention the toothbrush or cleaning tool is designed to increase the efficiency of the clear while the present inventive device toothbrush or cleaning device are in use by using bristle rows that are progressively longer as they reach the middle of the cleaning tool head.

In several embodiments of the present invention, the present invention offers improvement. over any prior art dental containment devices by having a dental apparatus carrying case that also has a clasp for the dental cleaning apparatus built into the body of the dental apparatus carrying case. In several other embodiments the improvement of the present inventive devices is that the toothbrush, or cleaning tool, is designed to engage the dental apparatus carrying case clasp and is designed to have serrations on the edge of the bristles to increase the efficiency of the cleaning while the toothbrush or cleaning device is in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to he taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an open view of one embodiment of the clamshell dental apparatus carrier with the general clasp;

FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of the clasp;

FIG. 1C illustrates one embodiment of the clasp;

FIG. 1D illustrates one embodiment of the clasp;

FIG. 1F illustrates one embodiment of the clasp;

FIG. 2 illustrates an open view of one embodiment of the clamshell dental apparatus carrier with the cleaning tool in the clasp; and

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the tooth brush or cleaning tool of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such sped details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Referring to the drawing general, it will he understood that the lustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale.

While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the it should be understood, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a tern would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should he taken from Webster's Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. “Clamshell” or “clam shell” as defined herein to include any shape of an enclosing device that rotates about a hinge has both an interior and exterior section capable of encapsulating a, object. “Dental Implements” as defined herein includes dental apparatuses which can include, but are not limited to, retainers, dentures and/or in visalyn trays, clear alighers or other removable dental hardware.

One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created a revolutionary, and novel dental apparatus storage and carrying case with a new and novel toothbrush and/or cleaning tool.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment of the present invention the inventive dental apparatus containment unit 1 is preferably constructed to be in substantially a clamshell shape. The inventive dental apparatus containment unit 1 may be comprised of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming a containment unit 1 for removable dental implements. In some embodiments, it is preferable that the materials that comprise the containment unit 1 comply with all American Dental Association requirements. In several preferred embodiments, the present dental apparatus containment unit 1 may be constructed as to be large enough to hold, when the clamshell is shut, a retainer, dentures, partials, and/or any other dental implements that would normally be fitted to an end users mouth and also be of a removable nature.

As shown in FIG. 1A. in one embodiment of the present invention the inventive dental apparatus containment unit 1 may be constructed to be in substantially, two sections, the base 5 section and the top 10 section. The top 10, is preferably constructed to have an interior section 11. Interior section 11 is preferably constructed of molded plastic, metal and/or any other materials, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming an interior section 11 for a containment unit for removable dental implements. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interior section 11 maybe coated with a material that complies with the American Dental Association standards for maintaining a more sterile hygienic dental apparatus storage surface. The top 10 is also preferably constructed, in several embodiments to have side walls 12 that run along the perimeter of the top 10. The side walls 12 are preferably constructed of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming a containment unit for removable dental implements. The side walls 12 are preferably constructed to have a height as to allow for the containment unit 1 to fully encase a retainer, dentures, partials, and/or any other dental implements that would normally be fitted to an end users mouth when the unit 1 is in the closed position and the side walls 12 and 22 mechanically engage each other, as is known in the art for clamshell enclosures.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the base 5, is preferably constructed to have an interior section 20. Interior section 20 is preferably constructed of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming an interior section 20 for a containment unit for removable dental implements. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interior section 20 maybe coated with a material that complies with the American Dental Association standards for maintaining a more sterile hygienic dental apparatus storage surface. The base 5 is also preferably constructed to have side walls 22 that run along the perimeter of the perimeter. The side walls 22 are preferably constructed of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming a containment unit for removable dental implements. The side walls 22 are preferably constructed to have a height as to allow for the containment unit 1 to fully encase a retainer, dentures, partials, and/or any other dental implements that would normally be fitted to an end users mouth when the unit 1 is in the closed position and the side walls 12 and 22 mechanically engage each other, as is known in the art for clamshell enclosures.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments of the present invention base 5 is preferably constructed to have an interior section 20 with a clasp 30. Clasp 30 preferably constructed of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming a clasp 30 in connection with an interior section 20 for a containment unit 1 for removable dental implements. In some embodiments of the present invention, Clasp 30 can be molded from the interior section 20 itself, and in other embodiments clasp 30 be attached as a separate unit into the interior 20 through the use of an adhering method such as glues, soldering, or screws threads. Clasp 30 is preferably designed to be able to engage and hold firm to the interior 20 a toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. Clasp 30, as referenced herein refers to the general form of the clasp. Clasp 30 is preferably constructed to have a height as to allow for the containment unit 1 to fully encase a retainer, dentures, partials, and/or any other dental implements that would normally be fitted to an end users mouth when the unit 1 is in the closed position and the side walls 12 and 22 mechanically engage each other, as is known in the art for clamshell enclosures.

As illustrated, FIG. 1B-FIG. 1E are different embodiments of clasp 30. In FIG. 1B, clasp 30 a has two clasping arms 31 a and when in use the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 (FIG. 2) can he releasable pushed through the clasp arms 31 a and held engaged by the clasp 30 therein preventing the movement of the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, clasp 30 b has one clasping anti 31 b and when in use the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 can be releasable pushed through the clasp arm 31 b and held engaged by the clasp 30 b therein preventing the movement of the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. As illustrated in FIG. 1D, clasp 30 c has two angled clasping s 31 c and when in use the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 can be releasable pushed through the clasp arms 31 c and held engaged by the clasp 30 c therein preventing the movement of the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. As illustrated in FIG. 1E, clasp 30 d has two ninety degree angled clasping arms 31 d and when in use the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 can be releasable pushed through the clasp arms 31 d and held engaged by the clasp 30 d therein preventing the movement of the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. Although illustrated as a clasp 30 with two clasping arms 31, in several other embodiments of the present invention, clasp 30 can be comprised of other geometric solid shapes, provided that those solid geometric shapes could releasably engage and hold a toothbrush or cleaning unit 35.

As shown in FIG. 1A, base 5 and top 10, are preferably joined by hinge 15. Hinge 15 is preferably constructed of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would he suitable in the art for forming an a hinge 15 between the base 5 and the top 10. In several embodiments of the present invention, the base 5, top 10, hinge 15 and the clasp 30 may all be formed in the same molding equipment and be one continuous unit of molded material. In several embodiments of the present invention, hinge 15 may be a separate unit from top 10 and bottom 5 and attach to said top 10 and bottom 5 in a manner known in the art for attachments which may include, but is not limited to screws, soldering, gluing and/or pinning.

As shown in FIG. 2, toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 has been inserted into and is held mechanically by clasp 30. In several preferred embodiments of the present invention, toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 is comprised of molded plastic, metal and/or any other material, including but not limited to composited material, which would be suitable in the art for forming a toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. Toothbrush or cleaning tool 35, in several embodiments, is preferably constructed to have a base 39, which may may be shorter in length and diameter than a standard toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 base found in commercially available toothbrushes or cleaning tools 35. Toothbrush or cleaning tool 35, in several embodiments, is preferably constructed to have a head 37, which may be shorter in length and diameter than a standard toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 head 39. In several embodiments of the present invention, it is envisioned that the bristles 50 on the head 35 are designed to have a proprietary shape and design (see FIG. 1). In several embodiments of the present invention, toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 is preferably designed to be able to clean removable dental implements known in the art such a, but not limited to, retainers, dentures and/or invisalyn trays, clear alighers or other removable dental hardware.

As shown in FIG. 2, placed on base 20 and distal to the clasp 30 is the exemplary dental implement 40. The dental implement 40 maybe in the form of a retainer, dentures, partials, invisalyn trays, clear alighers and/or any other dental implements that would normally be fitted to an end users mouth. In several embodiments of the present invention top 10 and base 5 are constructed with side walls 12 and 22 respectively such that the dental implement 40 is fully encapsulated when the containment unit 1 is shut and in operation. Also illustrated is lip 60 of the side wall 12 and recessed lip 65 of side wall 22. Lip 60 of side wall 12 is preferably designed so as to fit releasably and engagingly over the recessed lip 65 when the containment unit 1 is closed such that lip 60 and recessed lip 65 are engaged and the containment unit 1 cannot be opened without a user exerting a force to enable the containment unit 1 to be opened by moving the top 10 and base 5 away from each other as rotating about hinge 15. Also illustrated in FIG. 2, as may be found in several embodiments of the present invention it the top clasp 75 and bottom engagement face 70. In several embodiments of the present invention, clasp 75 is preferably designed to extend past the height of side wall 12. In several embodiments of the present invention side wall 22 is preferably designed to have an indention which is engagement face 70. In several embodiments of the present invention, when the containment unit 1 is closed, the clasp 75 will slide over engagement face 70 therein providing a physical extension in the form of clasp 75 which the user can manipulate in order to reopen the containment unit 1. In several embodiments of the present invention, clasp 75 will mechanically engage either the engagement face 70 as is known in the art of standard clamshell engagement.

As shown in FIG. 3, toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 may be constructed with a proprietary shaped bristle 50, which may be of a unique and proprietary geometric shape. As shown, toothbrush or cleaning tool 35, in several embodiments, is preferably constructed to have a head 37 and attached to the head 37 are proprietary shaped bristles 50, which maybe, as illustrated, in an ascending length from each side of the head 37 configuration 53.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. In some alternate embodiments of the present invention, the top 10 and base 5, along with the hinge 15 are molded of the same materials and at the same source, In such embodiment the unit 1 is assembled by placing the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 into the clasp 30 and then firmly pressing down until the clasp 30 is firmly engaging the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. Then top 10 and base 5 are rotated about hinge 15 such that the side walls 12 and 22 engage each other, therein shutting the unit. At the user's discretion, a dental implement 40 may be placed below the clasp 30 and on the interior of the base 20 prior to shutting or engaging the unit 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the present invention is assembled in the following manner. In some alternate embodiments of the present invention, the top 10 and base 5, along with the hinge 15 are all separate units that need to be assembled. In said embodiments, the unit 1 is first assembled by attaching hinge 15 to both top 10 and base 5 by mechanical attachment which can include, but are not limited to screws, soldering, gluing and/or pinning. After the top 10, base 5, and hinge 15 are assembled the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 is placed into the clasp 30 and then firmly pressed down until the clasp 30 is firmly engaging the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35. Then top 10 and base 5 are rotated about hinge 15 such that the side walls 12 and 22 engage each other, therein shutting the unit. At the user's discretion, a dental implement 40 may be placed below the clasp 30 and on the interior of the base 20 prior to shutting or engaging the unit 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the present invention functions in the following manner. Once the unit 1 is assembled the user can open the unit 1, by moving top 10 via rotating across hinge 15 from base 5. At this point the user can insert or remove a dental implement 40 from unit 1, insert or remove toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 from clasp 30, and/or simply close unit 1 for future use. if dental implement 40 and toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 is removed then the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 can be used to clean the dental implement 40 in the standard manner for cleaning dental implements. As illustrated in FIG. 3, proprietary shaped bristles 50, which maybe, as illustrated, in an ascending length from each side of the head 37 configuration 53 offer increased surface area on the bristles 50 and therefore offer improved cleaning of the dental implement 40 when the toothbrush or cleaning tool 35 engages the dental implement 40.

Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby. 

What is claimed is the following:
 1. An improved dental apparatus containment system comprising; A clamshell unit with a hollow interior and a solid exterior; Said clamshell further comprising; One top unit of said clamshell with an interior; One bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior; A hinge mechanism; Said top unit arid said bottom unit being further mechanically joined on the outer edge of said clamshell by said hinge mechanism; Said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior further comprises a clasp protruding from said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior.
 2. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; A cleaning device with bristles; wherein Said cleaning device with bristles maybe mechanically inserted and restrained by said clasp.
 3. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 2 further comprising; said cleaning tool further comprises a head with two edges distal to each other; said read further comprising rows of bristles, said rows of bristles further comprising ascending length of each row of bristles from each edge of said head.
 4. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; Said clamshell unit is made of molded plastic.
 5. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; Said top unit of said clamshell with an interior is comprised of plastic.
 6. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; Said one bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior is comprised of plastic.
 7. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; Said hinge mechanism is comprised of plastic.
 8. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; Said clamshell unit is formed by a single molded piece of plastic.
 9. The improved dental apparatus containment system of claim 1 further comprising; Said clasp is a separate and attached to said bottom unit.
 10. A method for utilizing a dental containment system comprising; Providing a dental containment system as described in claim 1; Providing a dental implement; Placing said dental implement onto said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior; Rotating said top unit of said clamshell across said hinge and engaging said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior and top unit of said clamshell to encase said dental implement.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising; Reversing the rotation of said top unit of said clamshell across said hinge and disengaging said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior and top unit of said clamshell.
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising; Inserting and securing a cleaning tool with bristles into said clasp prior to rotating said top unit of said clamshell across said hinge and engaging said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior and top unit of said clamshell encase said dental implement.
 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising; Removing said cleaning tool with bristles from said clasp prior to rotating said top unit of said clamshell across said hinge and engaging said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior and top unit of said clamshell encase said dental implement.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising; Removing said dental implement from said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior and top unit subsequent to disengaging said bottom unit of said clamshell with an interior and top unit of said clamshell. 